Actor par excellence Nedumudi Venu dies at 73
Nedumudi Venu, rated as one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema, died at a private hospital here on Monday, film industry sources said. He was 73. He is survived by his wife and two children. His cremation will be held here on Tuesday.
Recovered from COVID-19, Venu had been unwell for quite some time and was admitted to the hospital after he complained of uneasiness.
Shifted to the ICU, his condition worsened on Sunday despite efforts by doctors. He breathed his last on Monday afternoon. Beginning his career as a theatre artiste with famous dramatist Kavalam Na ray ana panic ker’ s experimental theatre group, Venu entered the Malayalam movie world in 1978 through G Aravindan’s movie Thambu.
His most memorable performance that established Venu as a talent in Malayalam cinema was in Thakara—a
1979 Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan—in which he played the role of a village carpenter.
He never had to look back after that. The versatile actor handled a series of character roles bordering on humour.
In his film career spanning over four decades, Venu acted in over 500 movies as hero, villain and character actor.
According to film scholar N Balagopal, Venu was one of the few actors in Indian cinema who excelled both as stylised actor and realistic actor, which in Indian theatre tradition is called Natya Dharmi and Lokadharmi respectively.
Venu put up stellar performances in films scripted and directed by P Padmarajan such as Kallan
Pavithran and Oridathoru Phayalvan by displaying exceptional performances exploring the inner persona of each character, Balagopal said.
In his late 30s and early 40s, he acted as a 70 plus year-old man in many movies earning him recognition in the film world.
Film analysts also recalled Venu’s contribution to the Malayalam cultural world highlighting his skills in popularising poems and literature.
Born in 1948 in Nedumudi in Alappuzha district, he also displayed his talent in playing several musical instruments and his recital of Malayalam poetry is legendary in the southern state.
Kerala Governor Chief Minister Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly VD Satheesan expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor Nedumudi Venu.
The Governor said, he was “deeply grieved by the demise of Venu, one of the finest actors in Malayalam and Indian cinema. Profound knowledge of traditional art forms & Indian style of acting reflected in his unique performances. Well versed in Kerala’s classical and folk art and rhythm, #NedumudiVenu also excelled in theatre and in recital of Sopana Sangeetam. My heartfelt condolence. May his soul attain Mukti,” Khan tweeted.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Vijayan said Venu as a gifted actor who crafted himself a permanent position in the minds of the audience through his various roles. The Chief Minister added that even while acting in movies, he took a keen interest in literature and took initiatives in everything from folk songs to experimental theatre. Congress leader VD Satheeshan said Venu showed his talent not only in acting but in music and musical instruments as well. BJP state chief K Sudhakaran said demise of Venu was irreparable loss. Writer NS Madhavan tweeted “Immensely sad day. A man with not an atom of malice in him. Great actor. Adieu.”.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran bid farewell to the actor and said his expertise in acting would be a research material for coming generations. Khushbu Sundar said she was deeply saddened to hear about the demise of a great legendary actor.
Cinematographer and film director Ravi K Chandran said Venu was one of the most talented and popular actors of Malayalam cinema. “No one can replace him,” he said.